UMass makes $120M bet on future of food

Southampton truck repair shop destroyed by fire and explosions; owner suspects foul play

SOUTHAMPTON — The owner of a truck repair shop on Pequot Road believes a fire and explosion that could be heard far and wide Saturday night was intentionally set, though authorities say the cause remains under investigation. Jay’s Mobile Truck Repair, at 77 Pequot Road, was completely engulfed in flames by the time the Southampton […]

Cooley Dickinson Hospital workers overwhelmingly approve new contract with raises, bonuses

NORTHAMPTON — Nearly 690 Cooley Dickinson Hospital healthcare workers have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that includes pay raises and bonuses. Unionized hospital staff, including respiratory therapists, physical therapists, surgical techs, phlebotomists, transporters and environmental services workers, ratified the new contract with a 97% yes vote, according to a Facebook post published by 1199SEIU United […]

Food, music and circus acts coming to Amherst's annual block party on Thursday

AMHERST — Two stages with musical performers, numerous food vendors and representatives from various organizations and nonprofits will be lined up along North Pleasant Street for the Annual Block Party Thursday. Running from 5 to 9 p.m., a section of North Pleasant Street from Amity Street to Hallock Street will become a pedestrian mall, with […]

No one injured after 150 hay bales catch fire on trailer in Ashfield

A trailer carrying 150 bales of hay caught fire on Route 112 in Ashfield on Saturday evening, likely due to sparks from a dragging piece of metal, but no injuries were reported.

Deerfield Select Board reflects on Tree House Brewing Co. noise after concert season

Deerfield officials concluded their review of the Summer Stage concert series at Tree House Brewing Co., noting that recent mitigation efforts like subwoofer repositioning and licensing restrictions led to a decrease in total noise complaints compared to the previous season.